According to Mike Russell on CagePotato, MMA legend Carlos Newton has quietly retired in a dignified manner, and has changed his priorities in life and the sport.

“I’m retired,” Newton explained. “The sport just isn’t as competitive as it used to be,” Newton said in an interview with CP. “I’m just concentrating on helping to improve the regulation of the sport and I’m looking into becoming a judge. I think that as fighters we have a lot more knowledge and insight into the intricacies of what’s going on in a fight than someone who has never competed. MMA judging needs fixing and I’m hoping I can help do it.”

Newton had a storied career in MMA, with his most shining moment when he submitted Pat Miletich at UFC 31 by bulldog choke in a dramatic welterweight title match. Matt Hughes would beat Newton for it at UFC 34 via a controversial powerbomb, another highlight reel moment for both men. Newton also fought in Pride FC, and coached and fought in the IFL.

Newton, who ended his career with a record of 16-4, will continue teaching MMA, while he attends architecture school simultaneously. “I’ll always be involved with the sport,” he said. “Definitely.” We wish Newton good luck in his future endeavors, no matter what they may be.

“The sport just isn’t as competitive as it used to be,” translation,"It just isn’t as easy to be competitive with one skill set". I've always been a fan of his but this statement really only applies to GSP and The Spider . The sport is just as competitive as it ever was, it's just that it's passed Carlos by.

“The sport just isn’t as competitive as it used to be,” translation,"It just isn’t as easy to be competitive with one skill set". I've always been a fan of his but this statement really only applies to GSP and The Spider . The sport is just as competitive as it ever was, it's just that it's passed Carlos by.

the one thing I will say is that its definitely more of a "sport" now.

Back in the day technique and thinking mattered more than they do now.

Athleticism and strength are becoming more and more important as the level of the athletes increases.